Eating fruits and vegetables that have been sprayed with pesticides have the potential to make you ill. Prolonged exposure to pesticides has been shown to increase your chances of cancer, neurological and developmental problems and a weakened immune system, says Dr. Charles Benbrook in an interview conducted for "Nutrition Action Newsletter." Avoiding foods that have been treated with pesticides in Mexico may take some effort, but doing so protects you and your family's health. Pesticide use in Mexico is not as regulated as it is in the United States, and some farmers don't understand the correct dosage to apply to their crops. Choosing produce from alternative sources may be safer.
Step 1
Read the stickers on your fruits and vegetables. Many will tell you where the item was grown. If it says "product of Mexico," choose something else. If you are unsure about where a fruit or vegetable was grown, ask the produce staff at the supermarket.
Step 2
Buy organic fruits and vegetables. Organic farmers are under strict regulations regarding their pesticide use. Choosing organic produce means that chemical treatments were kept to a minimum. Some fruits and vegetables are more prone to the effects of pesticides and are called the "dirty dozen." Choosing organic versions of these items is safer. Included on the list are celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries, nectarines, bell peppers, spinach, kale, cherries, potatoes and grapes. Other foods that are more likely to be highly contaminated include leafy greens, carrots, pears and tomatoes.
Step 3
Shop at local farmers markets. Many small community farms grow fruits and vegetables without chemicals but cannot afford to be certified as organic. Check out stands in your area and talk to farmers about how they farm their produce. You may be surprised to find that fruits and vegetables grown closest to your home are the safest. Many areas of the country allow you to join a co-op and have locally grown and in-season produce that has not been treated with pesticides, delivered right to your home.
Step 4
Wash your fruits and vegetables. No matter where your produce comes from, wash it before eating to clean off any pesticide residues that may be lingering on it. Use a mild soap and gently scrub before cutting or peeling.
Step 5
Dine in restaurants that are willing to tell you where they purchase the fruits and vegetables that are used in the kitchen. Many restaurants are moving toward using local produce, making the chances of getting Mexican-grown items smaller, but it never hurts to ask just to be sure. This will safeguard your health and prevent illness.
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